Macroporous–mesoporous alumina supported iridium catalyst for hydrazine decomposition

Decomposition of hydrazine allows the attitude and altitude control of satellite. Macroporous–mesoporous alumina supported iridium catalyst (KCMC-7) has been developed using the fast dehydration of aluminium trihydroxide and subsequent multiple impregnations. The result of data analysis suggested that the obtained alumina was ρ-Al2O3 with both macro and mesopores. Significant amount of pentagonal Al sites after rehydration of ρ-Al2O3 was responsible for ultra high dispersion for ultra high loading of metal around 30 wt%. The performance of the KCMC-7 measured using 4.5 N dual thruster module was satisfactory until the end of life, providing enough thrust for the attitude and altitude control of satellite in the pressure range of 50–350 psi.

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► Macro–mesopore alumina grains containing Ir nanoparticles.
► Catalyst for hydrazine decomposition for the attitude and altitude control of the satellite.
► Large permeability for superior mass and heat transfer.
► Catalytic processes under the high pressure or temperature and diffusion limited reaction.